Wine Reviews

93

Domaine de la Rivière 2024 Shoshana Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($38)

Aromas: Rose petals, wet stone, watermelon
From the estate’s Vineyard Eleven, in the Middle Reach neighborhood, Geoffrey and Marla Bedrosian named this wine for their daughter, Shoshana, a Hebrew word that translates to rose.
Salty raspberries and powdered hibiscus instigate an inner vibrancy, while cleaning the palate with searing acidity.

94

Domaine Passy le Clou 2022 Petit Chablis, Chablis, France ($30)

Aromas: Jasmine, lemon verbena
The grapes come from a cooler zone in Chablis, with Portlandian soils – younger limestone than the more well-known Kimmeridgian, who are known to project more fruit than minerality. This 100% stainless steel-fermented Chardonnay is sumptuous, but on a different plane than a white Burgundy. It has purity of character – lightly touching the palate with a lime chiffon opulence. The length on the finish is impressive.
Imported by Mary Taylor

94

Double Eagle 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($50)

Aromas: Honeysuckle, lemon blossom, and vanilla nougat
A romance of white flower petals and just-sliced mango and white peach, with a lustrous mouthfeel. Candied ginger sparks the palate, offering a gorgeous saline tone and a cleansing of wet stone.

99

Du Coeur 2022 Pinot Noir, Prince Hill Vineyard, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($75)

Dick Erath first planted this vineyard in 1983 using Pinot Noir clippings from Grand Cru sites in Burgundy. Winemaker Laurent Montalieu and Anne Sery worked closely with wine proprietor Wesam Kawa to bring out the expressions from the region’s Jory soil and cool, prestigious climate above the fog line in the Dundee Hills. Raspberries buried in a platform of wet stone highlight a clean, fragrant red that gains pace with notes of sweet tobacco, red beets, and red tea. Mid-palate notes of basil with persistent salinity add to its keen acid structure. A marvelous balance of fruit tones and forest.

93

Dunoyer de Ségonzac 2015 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne, France ($95)

Orange blossom, bergamot, peach, and vanilla biscuit are revealed as the tiny beads of bubbles burst. What follows are fresh, green notes with a chalky undertone.

92

Ecco Domani 2024 Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie, Italy ($15)

Aromas: Powdered vanilla, glistening stone, lemon blossom
Lemon-lime sorbet with a sprig of thyme is accented by a stony minerality. Clean and focused with summer pear and a hint of ginger.

93

Elouan 2023 Pinot Noir, Oregon ($25)

Iron and ash form an earthy partnership in this most expressive vintage of Elouan. Deep and seductive, with notes of coffee, black raspberry, and hibiscus. Cherry bark and red tea offer an exotic finish.

93

End of the Day 2022 Red Wine Cuvée, Paso Robles ($34)

A high-toned and juicy blend of 36% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, 18% Tannat with some Syrah, Counoise, Mataro, and Graciano. Heather and salted plum are concentrated notes, with a hint of black raspberry and cinnamon toast. Mouthwatering!